GETTING HERE

Getting to Pavones and Zancudo:

Your Guide to Arriving in Paradise

Nestled in Costa Rica’s beautiful southern Pacific region, Pavones and Zancudo offer pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and world-class surfing. While reaching these hidden gems may take a bit of effort, every moment of the journey rewards you with spectacular scenery and a warm, welcoming community. Here’s everything you need to know to make your trip as seamless as possible:

By Air: Quick and Scenic Routes

Domestic Flights to Golfito or Puerto Jiménez:
The quickest way to reach Pavones and Zancudo is by air. Sansa Airlines offers daily domestic flights from San José (Juan Santamaría International Airport, SJO) to Golfito or Puerto Jiménez airports. The flight takes about 1 hour and provides stunning views of Costa Rica’s landscapes.
- From Golfito: Once you land in Golfito, Pavones is a roughly 1 hour drive, while Zancudo is around 50 minutes away by car.
- From Puerto Jiménez: You’ll need to take a ferry or drive around the Golfo Dulce, with travel times depending on local conditions.
Private Charter Flights:
For added convenience and a tailored travel experience, you can book private charter flights directly to Golfito or even closer airstrips. This option provides flexibility and privacy.

By Car: A Scenic Adventure

Option 1: Coastal Route (Route 34 - Costanera Sur)

Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours (depending on traffic and road conditions)
Description: This route offers scenic ocean views and passes through several popular coastal towns.

Driving Instructions:

Start in San José: Head west out of the city on Route 27 (Autopista del Sol) toward Caldera.
Continue on Route 27: Drive until you reach the turn-off for Route 34 (Costanera Sur).
Merge onto Route 34: This route will take you along the beautiful Pacific coastline. You will pass through beach towns such as Jacó, Herradura, Quepos (near Manuel Antonio National Park), Dominical, and Uvita.
Stay on Route 34: Continue driving south until you reach Palmar Norte. Here, Route 34 merges into the Inter-American Highway (Route 2).
From Palmar Norte to Golfito: Take Route 2 south until you reach the turn-off for Golfito.
Drive to Pavones or Zancudo:
- To Pavones: Follow signs from Golfito toward Río Claro and then take the turn-off toward Pavones. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours, with portions of gravel roads that may require extra caution.
- To Zancudo: From Golfito, head south toward the Zancudo turn-off, which is roughly a 40-minute drive.

Important Tips:

- 4×4 Recommended: Portions of the road to Pavones and Zancudo can be rough, especially during the rainy season.
- Scenic Stops: Consider stopping in Dominical or Uvita for a meal or to enjoy the coastal scenery.

Option 2: Route through Cerro de la Muerte

Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours (depending on traffic and road conditions)
Description: This route takes you through Costa Rica’s highlands, offering breathtaking mountain views, cooler temperatures, and a unique drive through the high-altitude Cerro de la Muerte.

Driving Instructions:

Start in San José: Take the Inter-American Highway (Route 2) heading south out of San José.
Ascend through Cerro de la Muerte: You will climb into the Talamanca Mountain Range, reaching elevations over 3,300 meters (10,000 feet). This part of the drive offers stunning views but can be foggy and chilly, so drive cautiously.
Descend toward San Isidro de El General (Perez Zeledon): Continue along Route 2 as you descend from the mountains and pass through the town of San Isidro de El General. This is a good place to stop for a break.
Drive toward Palmar Norte: Continue south on Route 2 until you reach Palmar Norte.
From Palmar Norte to Golfito: Follow the directions from Palmar Norte toward Golfito, as outlined in the Coastal Route section.
Drive to Pavones or Zancudo:
- To Pavones: Head toward Río Claro, then follow the signs to Pavones.
- To Zancudo: Continue to the Zancudo turn-off.

Important Tips:

- Be Prepared for Mountain Conditions: The Cerro de la Muerte can be foggy and cold, so ensure your vehicle’s lights and brakes are in excellent condition.
- Scenic Stops: Consider stopping at one of the viewpoints along the mountain route or in San Isidro for refreshments.

Car Rentals and Private Transfers

When planning your journey to Pavones and Zancudo, selecting the right transportation is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are detailed options for car rentals and private transfers:

Car Rentals:

Availability: Major car rental companies operate in Costa Rica, with offices at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Companies like Enterprise, Alamo, and Avis offer a range of vehicles suitable for the journey.
Vehicle Selection: Opt for a 4×4 or SUV, especially during the rainy season (May to November). A vehicle with high ground clearance ensures a smoother ride on uneven terrains.
Rental Tips:
- Insurance: Verify insurance coverage, including liability and collision damage waivers. Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, but confirm applicability in Costa Rica.
- Reservations: Book in advance to secure the best rates and vehicle availability.
- Navigation: Consider renting a GPS device or using offline maps, as cellular service may be limited in remote areas.

Private Transfers:

Services Offered: Private transfer companies provide door-to-door service from airports or hotels directly to Pavones and Zancudo. These services include professional drivers, comfortable vehicles, and often amenities like Wi-Fi and refreshments.
Advantages:
- Convenience: Eliminates the need to navigate unfamiliar roads.
- Comfort: Relax in a well-maintained vehicle with a knowledgeable driver.
- Flexibility: Schedule departures to fit your itinerary, with options for stops along the way.
Booking Tips:
- Advance Reservations: Arrange transfers ahead of time to ensure availability.
- Group Travel: For larger groups, inquire about vans or minibuses to accommodate everyone comfortably.
- Local Operators: Consider local companies familiar with the region for personalized service.

Additional Considerations:

Travel Time: The drive from San José to Pavones or Zancudo takes approximately 7-8 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
Road Conditions: Some routes may have unpaved sections; check current conditions before departure.
Fuel Stations: Fuel stations can be sparse in remote areas; fill up in larger towns like Golfito.

Whether you choose the independence of a rental car or the ease of a private transfer, planning ahead ensures a safe and pleasant journey to the beautiful destinations of Pavones and Zancu

By Public Transport: Budget-Friendly Options

From San José by Bus:
- Take a Tracopa bus from the Tracopa Terminal in San José to Golfito. This journey takes around 7-8 hours and is one of the most economical ways to reach the area.
- Upon arriving in Golfito, you can hire a local taxi, take another bus, or arrange for a private transfer to Pavones or Zancudo.
Local Bus Connections:
Buses from Golfito to Pavones and Zancudo are available but run on varying schedules. Be sure to check times in advance, as service may be infrequent.